Thompson Speaks to Young Republicans - Predicts 2008 Win (WITH VIDEO)

FoxTampaBay ^ | 7-7-07

[STARWISE]

HOLLYWOOD - Republican Senator Fred Thompson spoke to the Young Republicans Saturday and hinted a run for the presidency, but did not make an announcement.

He said he is “raising seed money” and “getting people together.”

“We’ll be making a decision in the not too distant future,” he said.

Speaking of the 2008 elections, he said “we’ll win this next election, like so many we have before.”

Thompson thanked the Young Republicans for their support, noting that he started a chapter of the group as a young man after reading “Conscience of a Conservative,” by Barry Goldwater.

Thompson said in his remarks that he is “tired of having to apologize for the United States of America around the world,” and tired of people’s perceptions that the country has anything to apologize for.

Although Thompson has not officially announced his run for the presidency, he already has one high profile backer: Mary Matalin, a prominent GOP strategist and aide to Vice President Dick Cheney. She said she supports Thompson because of his “core conservative values,” and said she was encouraged to see so many “Fred-heads” among the Young Republican

[STARWISE]

Sounds like Mary Matalin is on the team!! You'll hear Fred say that Jeri and Mary talk everyday .. WOO HOO!

CLICK ON RAW VIDEO OF SPEECH

[STARWISE]

FRED ~~!

[Astronaut]

Sounds like whistling past the graveyard to me. The American public (rightly or wrongly) is fed up with Iraq. The conservative base is fed up with being spit on by our so-called leaders in DC. The GOP is toast for 2008. Might as well send up a loser like Bob Dole as a sacrificial lamb and concentrate on winning Congress back in 2010. After 2 years of Hillary’s Stalinist presidency, the sheeple might want real conservatives back, if we can find any.

[STARWISE]

Oh you, of little faith and optimism.

[SolidWood]

Defeatism apparently isn’t confined to Democrats.

[Petronski]

Did your prescription run out?

[RedOhioan]

“tired of having to apologize for the United States of America around the world,” and tired of people’s perceptions that the country has anything to apologize for.”

BAM!!!!!

[sourcery]

fRed Dawn: Wednesday, 5 November 2008

[ElkGroveDan]

We might as well close down Free Republic until 2010 too. I can’t believe I even got out of be this morning.

[skinkinthegrass]

FRed Dawn: Wednesday, 5 November 2008

LOL! .....catchy, too.
....lets' make it happen. :)

[jazusamo]

I believe Reid and Pelosi have got you right where they want you.

[Names Ash Housewares]

Fred will slay the Hildabeast.

[STARWISE]

Blogging at YRNC ..

MyFox blogs from YRNC 2007

Run, Fred, Run'-- but no announcement
Jul 7, 2007 | 11:16 AM

Fred Thompson has come and gone from the YRNC, but this place was crazy while he was here. He didn't stay long-- speaking to YRs for about 10 minutes. However, with all the media and folks who wanted to take pictures, shake hands, and just get a glimpse of him, it took about 20 minutes for him to get out of the Grand Ballroom, where the event was being held.

The YRs were thrilled to welcome Thompson, and from the sound of the applause, he didn't disappoint. They chanted his name when he came in the door, and by the time he left, they were chanting, 'Run Fred, run!' But, while he hinted at a run for the White House during his speech, he didn't make an official announcement. Instead, he said that he and the YRs will "join that fight together", referring to his desire to bring control back to the Republican party.

You can watch the entire Thompson speech from the convention right here on MyFox-- just click on our special convention coverage page-- , and also check out the load of pictures I took this morning. They're posted here on my blog.

Right now, the YRs are in a huge meeting (closed to the media) where they'll remain for about the next four hours. They're holding internal elections, making resolutions, and other official business. Still to come today is a dinner with presidential candidate Mitt Romney, a presidential straw poll, and an appearance by Florida Governor Charlie Crist. Check back to find out more about that later in the day...

11:35 am: Fred's in the building
Jul 7, 2007 | 9:35 AM

Right now, Mary Matalin is speaking to the YRs.. but I've just been told that Fred Thompson is in the building. The room is packed, and they're all waiting patiently for his appearance. Matalin has already told the YRs about her marriage to Democrat James Carville, how she manages being a mom and having a political career, and what she thinks the YRs can do for the 2008 candidates

Few YRs are saying who they're supporting, but today many are sporting those 'FRED' stickers and buttons you may have seen. Should be an exciting speech.

Better run-- I see our guest of honor down the hall!

Saturday's a buzz at the YRNC
Jul 7, 2007 | 8:51 AM

It's only 10:50 a.m., but the YRs are already packed into the Grand Ballroom at the Westin Diplomat Resort for a surprise guest.... but he's not a surprise to us. The plan for this morning was supposed to be Mary Matalin, who would be appearing on behalf of Fred Thompson... but now, we know we'll be hearing from none other than Fred Thompson himself.

His speech will start at 11:00, and you can watch it right here on MyFox. Just go to our Young Republicans convention coverage page.

What does Thompson have to say to the YRs? Who knows. But I will say, the room is packed with media.

Check back for more on the Fred Thompson buzz...

Friday afternoon at the YRNC
Jul 6, 2007 | 2:48 PM

Day two of the convention got off to a late start for some of the YRs... I presume it was those for those who showed up to the luncheon with Congressman Duncan Hunter wearing sunglasses. The big event last night was the South Beach outing, and word has it that the party was hoppin' until well after 3 a..m.

If you've ever wondered what YRs eat for lunch, I have your answer: steak. That's what they had today anyway, courtesy of Duncan Hunter's campaign for president. He spoke to them about who he is, where he comes from, and what he believes is important to Americans-- and especially to YRs.

Afterwards, I chatted with a bunch of YRs who said they were impressed by the things he had to say, and so was I, when I interviewed him live on the web! You can watch part of that video on MyFoxTampaBay.com.

I also spoke with a bunch of folks who are just attending the convention... and they say they're feeling inspired just by being here. Many of them know each other, and it's also a chance for them to get together and network-- which is something they do well. But, what are they really doing at 4:45 in the afternoon on Friday? Beach volleyball. I guess it's just like the old saying goes.. when in Florida, do as the Floridians do!

All of the official events for the YRNC are wrapping up for today, but tonight there a host of parties and dinners for the various groups. I've been told that YRs from each state hold their own individual dinners in various restaurants in the area.. and I've been invited to join them, so I'll report back on how that goes.

Tomorrow's agenda looks to be much more exciting. The buzz around here? A surprise guest who's making an appearance. I'll give you a hint: he's doing well in the polls, but he's not even officially declared his candidacy. YET.

I've just been invited to join at table of YRs for the inside scoop here by the pool. More from me later....

The first event of the convention: a luncheon with GOPAC chairman Michael Steele.

~~~~~~~~~

Great to see the numbers of engaged young Pubbies.

[FastCoyote]

“The GOP is toast for 2008. “

I don’t think so, I think Fred walks over Hillary like a dirty rug. People like normal people, not raving harpy nutbags.

The senate and house are tougher, but at least the base has its bearings back now after having killed the immigration bill.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Thompson will do well with young republicans for all the wrong reasons. But hey, we take what we can get. They will be impressed with his movies and TV show. Thompson’s resume is his resume. I see no difference in voting for Hillary because she is a woman and voting for Thompson because he is a movie actor.

[upchuck]

If you are young and a Republican and you’re looking for a solid conservative candidate, how could you pick anybody but FRed?

[johnthebaptistmoore]

Perhaps we will see a final ‘08 GOP Presidential ticket of Fred Thompson/Michael Steele once the Republican convention is over. There are many decent ‘08 GOP Presidential ticket possibilities, and I’m still hoping for a final GOP Presidential ticket of either Fred Thompson/Duncan Hunter or Duncan Hunter/Fred Thompson.

[raftguide]

” see no difference in voting for Hillary because she is a woman and voting for Thompson because he is a movie actor.”

So if we vote for a man, its because he’s a man, nothing else? And if a person happens to be a movie actor, that is the only reason s/he is voted for?

[STARWISE]

Discernment is a great trait .. ;)

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

You are taking my statement differently than I meant it.

My husband was telling me about a radio program he was listening to where all these under 25 voters were asked how they were going to vote. They all said they were going to vote for Hillary. Their reason? She is a woman. When they were asked specifics about her performance as Senator none of them could answer.

The feedback I have heard about Thompson (from the younger crowd) is that he is cool because of his movies.

My point was that both reasons are wrong reasons. But one is not worse than the other.

[Prophet in the wilderness]

"Sounds like whistling past the graveyard to me. The American public (rightly or wrongly) is fed up with Iraq. The conservative base is fed up with being spit on by our so-called leaders in DC. The GOP is toast for 2008. Might as well send up a loser like Bob Dole as a sacrificial lamb and concentrate on winning Congress back in 2010. After 2 years of HillaryÂ’s Stalinist presidency, the sheeple might want real conservatives back, if we can find any."

Sorry, we heard this same crap from loser Republicans in 2006 ( let’s teach them a lesson crowed, and let the DEMS take over ).... sorry,, I won’t join myself to that loser mentality bandwagon.... we are going to WIN in 2008 with FDT.

[SE Mom]

LOL...loved Fred’s appreciation of Mrs. Bill Cinton and the New York Times sending out the hit pieces:) WOOO HOOO!!

FRED!

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

The conservative base is fed up with being spit on by our so-called leaders in DC. The GOP is toast for 2008.

Go peddle your pessimism somewhere else--like DU. Maybe you're a DU plant.

Republicans are our only hope for waging an effective war on radical Islam and to keep our country safe. If the voters of America are too ignorant to know that, then we need to be telling them over and over.

Democrats will raise taxes and throw our economy in reverse. Thanks, President Bush, for knowing the value of tax cuts to stimulate an economy.

If you don't like the price of gasoline--thank a Democrat. They are the ones standing in the way of the United States producing more of our own oil. Their environmentalist wacko friends are more about the destruction of capitalism than protecting the environmnet.

If there is anyone unhappy with Republicans over the illegal immigration issue, Democrats are far worse and want totally open borders.

Democrats are the ones that are toast for 2008 and every year thereafter. NO MORE RATS--EVER!!

[SuziQ]

Good speech! I was down in MS over last weekend, and almost every one of my family members said they were looking seriously at Fred. None knew I was supporting him either, before they said it! They just know they do NOT want Hillary or Obama, and they don’t see the other major Repub. candidates as being able to beat them.

[xarmydog]

You need to quit farting in your spacesuit.

[GhostSoldier]

What a crybaby.

Somebody change this guy's diaper.

[dusttoyou]

Yeah, someone like RootyMcRomny.

[Jet Jaguar]

Thompson Wows Young Republicans

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (AP) - Not yet a 2008 candidate, Fred Thompson energized young Republicans with a speech Saturday that was heavy on rhetoric and short on policy pronouncements. He branded Democrats as “the party of despair.”

Chants of “Fred” and “Run, Fred, Run,” greeted the actor and former GOP senator from Tennessee from many among the 350 people at the Young Republicans National Convention. The crowd interrupted his nine-minute speech with wild applause and mobbed him when he left.

“It makes me feel like the waters are pretty warm,” Thompson said afterward. He has formed an exploratory committee to gauge support for a White House run and raise money. He is expected to announce presidential campaign plans to run soon.

While he has yet to join the 10-man Republican race, he has soared in polls, taken in at least several million dollars, assembled a staff and visited early primary states New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Thompson’s speech came on the heels of reports that a pro-abortion rights group hired him to lobby President George H.W. Bush’s administration 16 years ago. At issue were attempts to ease a regulation that prevented clinics that received federal money from offering abortion counseling.

Thompson gave an oblique response when asked about the matter, first reported by the Los Angeles Times.

“I’d just say the flies get bigger in the summertime. I guess the flies are buzzing,” said Thompson, who is considering running for president as a social conservative. He refused comment on whether he recalled doing the work.

His supporters did not seem bothered, citing policy stands by some of the leading GOP presidential contenders, including former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, ex-New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Arizona Sen. John McCain.

“Whatever choice do we have? Mitt Romney has been on both sides of the issue,” said Paul Boyd, 26, of Memphis, Tenn. “Rudy Giuliani is 100 percent pro-choice. John McCain, at least for the first four years of the Bush term, was against whatever the president was for. Everybody has their flaws.”

In his speech, Thompson fired up the crowded when he said he was the top target of The New York Times and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton. He said the United States was the greatest country, and that set the audience off, too.

“I’m getting tired of having to apologize for the United States of America around the world,” Thompson said. “I’m tired of other people’s perceptions that we need to apologize.”

He said voters will not support Democratic candidates who are “driving over a left-wing cliff.” Thompson added, “I don’t think the people are going to turn the keys of this country over to the party of despair.”

Not everyone at the convention was ready to join the Thompson bandwagon. Daniel Ruoss, 27, of Lauderhill said he is supporting Giuliani.

“Fred Thompson would not only have to hit a home run, he’d have to hit a grand slam for me,” Ruoss said before the speech. Afterward, he said there was a lack of substance in the speech. “I would call it a double. I liked it, but we need more.”

Participants at the convention were to hear from Romney late Saturday.

Kevin Fickert, a 22-year-old college student in Los Angeles who originally is from Massachusetts, said he liked Romney’s leadership as governor but thinks Thompson has more appeal. “Thompson has this star power about him that I really like,” Fickert said.

Before arriving at the convention, Romney took questions from about 150 people in West Palm Beach. He said he would like to use the country’s leading marketing minds to help sell the idea of American values in the Middle East.

“People will give up half a day’s salary to get a Coca-Cola in some parts of the world. We market Coke well. We market McDonald’s well. We market our rap music, our movies, our jeans,” Romney said. “We market everything America sells brilliantly, but when it comes to marketing ourselves and what we stand for, we don’t do a very good job of it.”

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8Q7VEF00&show_article=1&catnum=0

[RJS1950]

Most of the people in that age group who I know or come in contact with (and it is a large number) have never watched L&O. It’s more of a show for the old farts in my age group although I’ve never watched it either.

Those young republicans I know are for Fred because of his ideals and what he says, not his acting credits.

[perfect_rovian_storm]

Maybe They just want a candidate that understands national security and not only wants our borders secured and our current immigration laws enforced, but actually gets WHY we are opposed to shamnesty and isn't afraid to say it.

Maybe They want a candidate that understands the second amendment and not only understands the importance of appointing conservative judges to stop judicial tyranny, but also understands how precious life is.

Maybe They want a candidate that won't pander to European socialists and is willing to tell the Mexican government how things are, as well as being willing to actually say how useless the UN is.

Maybe They also feel it is extremely important to nominate a candidate that can articulate conservatism in a way that everyone can understand, to counter the demagoguery of the left. Maybe They like a candidate who can explain why tax cuts are good for our economy and can show man-made global warming for the joke that it is. It would be refreshing to see a candidate explain why we should back Israel and make damn sure Iran never gets a nuke.

Maybe they think it would be great to have a candidate that see's CAIR for what it is? Maybe Even better to have a candidate that calls out Democrats for being the defeatist losers that they are.

Maybe while they're dreaming the impossible dream and looking for this perfect candidate, they would dream about a candidate who can use the new media to his advantage and get around old media liberal bias.

I don't know where we'd ever find such a candidate, but if we can find him, we'll do well in 2008. :)

[Saundra Duffy]

He said he is “raising seed money” and “getting people together.”

The other guys have been doing this already for months, pounding the pavement, working their hearts out, going full out, while Fred T strolls around without a care in the world. And the other guys have made themselves available for major debates while Fred is lallygagging.

I don’t have to like it.

[Saundra Duffy]

I thought he was going to announce on July 4th. This is really starting to get on my last nerve.

[A CA Guy]

The reasons people are somewhat fed up with the war is:

#1 President Bush has prosecuted it well enough so that we do not feel we are at war at home.

#2 Media/Liberal/Democrat 24-7 attempts to slam and sabotage the war effort.

#3 Bush abdicating his responsibility to spend a lot of time backing the war against Islamic terror.

#4 Not enough troops IMO or enough being required by Iraqis to get their own country in order.

#5 We have Iran, probably China and others financing insurgency against our efforts in Iraq. IMO we should have bee starting major insurgency against Iran to get the bastard President out of office.

That would be the start.

IMO if Fred and others discuss the reasons for being there, the eventual benefit of being there for us years down the line and so forth, I think the people will understand the benefit of fighting to win instead of running like socialist cowards.

[b9]

I thought he was going to announce on July 4th. This is really starting to get on my last nerve.

Evidently you must've lost invested a lot of money in Mitt's campaign.

That's what happens when you bet on a Schwarzenegger in McClintock's clothing.

[perfect_rovian_storm]

[new yorker 77]

AP/LAT Don't Mention Thompson Abortion Lobbying Claims Are Made by Hillary Supporters

Posted by Mobile Vulgus

http://newsbusters.org/node/13944

[b9]

You have to see this speech ~ standing Os for what he SAYS, not who he is.
Energy, conviction, passion, humor. Unapolgetic AMERICAN.

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=3706206&version=8&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

[new yorker 77]

You forgot #6.

#6 It is easy to pretend to support the troops as you stab them in the back by calling them failures.

My response to "I'm against the Iraq War." is a simple one.

"You're against the Iraq War. At least I know one person who agrees with the terrorists."

[Saundra Duffy]

I haven’t got a clue how you can compare Schwarzenkennedy with Mitt Romney. But I thought this thread was about Fred T.

Are you all aware that Fred T voted for McCain-Feingold and that he voted to let Bill Clinton off the hook during impeachment?

Also, there was an abortion questionnaire on which Fred T said he’s pro choice during the first trimester.

Correct me if I’m wrong.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

That’s good for them. I’m just talking about my own experiences and coversations.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Well I didn’t really mean to insult all young people. But we don’t need to put blinders on. Some people vote for shallow reasons.

[Uncle Ivan]

Also, there was an abortion questionnaire on which Fred T said he’s pro choice during the first trimester.

Oh, the old questionaire slam. That was dismissed how long ago?

I'm surprised that some people are still putting stock into it.

[RichRepublican]

I thought he was going to announce on July 4th. This is really starting to get on my last nerve.

Agreed---you can't win unless you run, Fred.

[b9]

Did you see the speech?
He’s rarin to go.

[perfect_rovian_storm]

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

No I did not see the speech. I’m sure it was great and that the crowd is very intelligent. I just made a passing comment on the general reasons why many young people vote how they vote (if they vote at all). I am sorry if I offended anybody.

[b9]

“I haven’t got a clue how you can compare Schwarzenkennedy with Mitt Romney.”

~ <> ~

Arnold and Mitt are BIG GOVERNMENT guys ~ the opposite of conservative Tom McClintock, whom you claim to “love”.

McClintock supports FRED, big time.

http://www.californiarepublic.org/archives/Columns/McClintock/20070618McClintockThompson.html

Like it or not, it’s true ~ Mitt is a Schwartzenegger in McClintock’s clothing.

[b9]

Why won’t you look at the speech?
It might put your qualms to rest.

[Politicalmom]

Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference

WARNING: If you wish to join this list, be aware that this ping list is EXTREMELY active.

[hoosierpearl]

“I thought he was going to announce on July 4th. This is really starting to get on my last nerve.”

Since you are a Romney supporter, I have a really hard time believing you want Fred to declare a candidacy. I can imagine you wanting him to go away.

I’m paying attention to Romney and listening to what he says. If he is as good a candidate as you think, he has every chance to win. I say let the best man win.

I’m with Fred. But the whole thing will almost be decided before the primaries ever get to my state. For that reason I look at all the candidates carefully. The Republicans have several good ones. I’m standing with Fred.